Ears to hear and eyes to see—both are gifts from the LORD. PROVERBS 20:12 (NLT)

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Millie is lying in front of the back door. She peers through the window on guard for action. Squirrels are out and about. She must prevent them from using our back fence as a pathway between trees. 

Her ears are perked just so. Her eyes slowly sweep right and left. She listens for telltale sounds. She observes each movement. 

When we take our Saturday Morning Stroll in a few minutes, she will listen at all times for bicycles coming behind us. Since she hears better than we do, she will move off the path to our right when one approaches us from behind. She is also quick to spot bunnies which require exercise just like her. 

Ears to hear and eyes to see — what amazing gifts! A video making the rounds recently showed children who gained the ability to hear for the first time. Hearing voices and music shocked and delighted them. I double-dog dare you to watch without crying. 

The vast majority of what we know is apprehended through these senses. How will you use these gifts today? What will you listen to that brings delight? What will you observe that makes you smile? 

Years ago, I wrestled with what Romans 12:1 means when Paul writes, “I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable.” He also writes in his other letters about submitting the parts of our bodies to Christ. Again, what precisely does this mean?

This led me to begin praying about my hands and feet, eyes and ears, nose and mouth, and so on. I asked God to empower me to see what he wanted me to see and to turn away from what I should not grant attention. I wanted to listen at a deep level so that I truly heard what others were saying and what he is saying to me. You get the picture. 

Two things today: First, give God thanks for these wonderful gifts. Second, submit your hearing and vision to God. Give care to what you listen to and to what you hear. Feel free to turn away from those things which drag you down or set you back.

Protect your eyes from those things which are unhealthy or unwholesome enticements. Protect yourself from images that harm you or unnecessarily distract you. 

Saturdays are good days to use your hearing and vision for maximum appreciation. How will you use yours?

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I will listen and look with gratitude.

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Our Father, you have given me ears to hear and eyes to see. Empower me to listen deeply. Empower me to see clearly. Amen.